The financial impact of the Pulse nightclub shooting on victims, hospitals: 5 findings

As a result of the June 12 shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, 56 victims were taken to a hospital for treatment, including three patients who spent two weeks in the intensive care unit and one patient who is still in the hospital in critical condition.

Kaiser Health News examined the financial impact of the shooting in terms of healthcare spending, potential medical debt and uncompensated care costs. Below are five findings.

1. Estimated costs of the Orlando shooting vary depending upon the expert, according to the article. Urban Institute senior fellow Embery Howell estimated the shooting cost hospitals around $1 million in healthcare services. That number is based on the average cost of a gunshot victim in 2010.

2. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation researcher Ted Miller estimated the total cost of the Orlando shooting between $385 million and $395 million. That number includes costs associated with medical treatment, police response and costs to employers. It does not account for mental health costs.

3. From the region's demographics, experts predict a high rate of uninsurance among victims. "They're young, primarily Latino and living in Florida," a state that has not expanded its Medicaid program, Ms. Howell told Kaiser Health News. "My guess would be you have a high rate of uninsured."

4. Orlando (Fla.) RegionalMedicalCenter expects to take on uncompensated care costs in excess of $5 million for care administered to shooting victims. An ORMC spokesperson confirmed the hospital treated 44 of the 56 shooting victims. It did not comment on the number of uninsured victims.

5. Uninsured shooting victim Mario Perez told Kaiser Health News the cost of his emergency medical treatment could ruin his financial future. Mr. Perez was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center's emergency department where he was treated for a minor gunshot wound and received stitches. His bill from the hospital was $20,000. Mr. Perez has yet to receive bills for X-rays and specialists' services.